U.S. trade panel takes up 02Micro patent suit

WASHINGTON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - A U.S. trade panel has agreed to take up 02Micro International Ltd's (OIIM.O) lawsuit against LG Electronics (066570.KS), Microsemi Corp (MSCC.O) and other firms that it accuses of infringing its patents for circuits for notebook computer screens.

The U.S. International Trade Commission, which hears patent disputes on imported products, said on Friday it would take up 02Micro's suit against Monolithic Power Systems Inc (MPWR.O), Microsemi Corp, ASUSTeK Computer Inc (2357.TW) and an American subsidiary, LG Electronics and three subsidiaries, and BenQ Corp and an American subsidiary.

02Micro accuses the companies of infringing its patents for inverter circuits for cold cathode fluorescent lamps, which are often used in laptop computer displays.

"The complainants request that the ITC issue exclusion orders and cease and desist orders," the trade panel said in a brief statement announcing the investigation.

The trade body is a popular venue for patent disputes since it may bar infringing products from importation into the United States. (Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Tim Dobbyn)